Jos: Police detain three Officials over election results

Police in Plateau State have detained three persons for alleged electoral offenses during last Saturday's elections.

Mr. Agaba Abole Okwoli, Mr. Mgbojikwe Anthony and Mr. Nentawe Dazel were arrested at Jos North Local Government collation centre between 24th and 26th February 2019.

Mr. Okwoli and Mr. Anthony were according to officials arrested on 24th February for impersonation and declaration of fake results while Mr. Dazel was arrested on 26th February also for declaring fake election results.

Official sources however say the trio served as Ward Collation Officers in Jos North LGA during the National Assembly and Presidential elections where they insisted on the authentic results be announced.

They were said to have been persuaded to change the results from their stations in favour of the APC but they declined.

Their attorneys from A.M. Okwori and Co. Chambers on Wednesday wrote the Police authorities to release them or fake legal actions.

A letter addressed to the Plateau State Police Commissioner by Barr. Arome Okwori of the legal firm says the trio were being held against their constitutional rights.

The letter says, "It is lamentable that our clients have been kept in custody for alleged offenses for which they were neither charged, arraigned or granted bail in gross violation of their fundamental rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement and right to dignity of their person respectively guaranteed by sections 34 (1)(4)(a) and (b) and 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

"We hereby demand for their release on bail forthwith since the allegations against them are such as entitles the Police to grant our clients bail.

"If our demand is not acceded to, we shall be left with no other option than to take steps to enforce the fundamental rights of our clients as guaranteed by the constitution."

Police Plateau State Public Relations Officer, DSP Tyopev Terna has confirmed that the suspects are in custody at the Police Headquarters Jos.

In a telephone interview, Terna said the three were undergoing "investigation".

It is however unconfirmed if the suspects were actually INEC Ad hoc staff as reported.

An enquiry yesterday sent to the INEC Head of Voter Education and Public Relations, Mr. Osaretin Imahirebo had yet to be replied as of the time of publishing this report.